Today more then ever, it is critical for a seller to accommodate every showing request no matter the date, time or circumstance. To assist in this, the use of a lockbox - a small, hollow metal box that holds home keys and is securely attached to the front doorknob - is a great tool for a seller while their home is on the market.
By using a lockbox, there is no need for a seller to be home, for the listing agent to attend or for the buyer’s agent to pick up a key at the office. The home key is already located in a secure location at the home for the buyer’s agent to access.
A buyer wants a showing. Their agent wants a hassle-free, smooth showing. The use of a lockbox accomplishes both of these things. Showings are scheduled by the buyer’s agent at the convenience of the buyer, so a showing could take place on a Wed morning, a Fri afternoon or a Sun evening. A lockbox makes all of these showings possible.
There are two lockbox styles commonly used in the Orlando market.
Electronic An electronic lockbox provides a reliable, automated system for home access while a home is on the market. Any time an electronic lockbox is accessed by an agent using their “e-key” and pin number, their name, member ID, and the date and time is electronically recorded. An agent’s e-key is deactivated every 24 hours and requires a daily download of showing activity to be reactivated. A detailed record of all showings can be retrieved online at any time.
The electronic lockbox most commonly used in the Orlando market is the Supra iBox. Orlando Regional Realtor Association (ORRA) distributes and manages all iBox lockboxes and e-keys in the Orlando market. ORRA distributes iBox lockboxes and e-keys only to licensed Florida agents/brokers who are members of ORRA. An iBox and e-key are costly for an agent to obtain.
An iBox can only be accessed 9am to 9pm every day of the week. An iBox automatically locks out access for all other times. If an agent attempts to access an iBox at 7am, the iBox will register the attempted access and give the agent a “rejection” error message on their e-key.
Manual The Shurlok and GE KeySafe are the most popular manual lockbox styles used by Orlando realtors today. The listing agent self-selects an access code before securely attaching a manual lockbox to the front doorknob. The listing agent will then provide the access code to authorized agents for scheduled showings.
Manual lockboxes are helpful for providing easy access to other professionals involved in a real estate transaction such as home inspectors or repair personnel who are unable to access an iBox (these folks don’t have an e-key).
A manual lockbox is inexpensive and can be purchased by anyone at Lowe’s or Home Depot. This style of lockbox is also commonly used by FSBOs.
Showing posts with label showings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label showings. Show all posts
Mar 11, 2011
Mar 1, 2011
Ideal Time to Sell: Holidays
Fresh in to 2011, I am reminded of an odd experience I had working with a buyer over a 'holiday' weekend.
I worked with an out-of-state buyer on Superbowl Sunday. They had a tight time frame, their checkbook and a pre-approval letter - they were there to buy. I attempted to schedule eight showings several days in advance. Still, five of eight sellers denied the showing request because “we are having a Superbowl party”. The buyer saw three of the homes on their list and made a full price offer on one of them the following morning.
There is an incorrect assumption that buyers don’t house hunt during the holidays; this could not be further from the truth. “Buyers take time off, too” and “everyone leaves town for such-and-such holiday” are seller misconceptions. In reality, any extended weekend - national holidays, federal holidays and school closings – is an ideal time to sell your home.
Buyers Have Time & Energy A ready, willing and able buyer wants to house hunt when they have the time and energy for it. A serious buyer will plan an outing with their agent well in advance. These buyers come armed with a good agent, their checkbook and a pre-approval letter. Isn’t this exactly the kind of buyer you’re looking for?
Minimal Competition There is a limited number of homes available for showing – and therefore, minimal competition - during the holidays. A majority of sellers “close up shop” during the holidays. Some sellers go out of town and choose to deny showings while they are away. And other sellers remain home, but choose to deny showings because they are at home with their families and don’t want to deal with the inconvenience of showings.
The upcoming 2011 holidays will afford many buyers an extended weekend to house hunt and potentially buy your home - let them in!
I worked with an out-of-state buyer on Superbowl Sunday. They had a tight time frame, their checkbook and a pre-approval letter - they were there to buy. I attempted to schedule eight showings several days in advance. Still, five of eight sellers denied the showing request because “we are having a Superbowl party”. The buyer saw three of the homes on their list and made a full price offer on one of them the following morning.
There is an incorrect assumption that buyers don’t house hunt during the holidays; this could not be further from the truth. “Buyers take time off, too” and “everyone leaves town for such-and-such holiday” are seller misconceptions. In reality, any extended weekend - national holidays, federal holidays and school closings – is an ideal time to sell your home.
Buyers Have Time & Energy A ready, willing and able buyer wants to house hunt when they have the time and energy for it. A serious buyer will plan an outing with their agent well in advance. These buyers come armed with a good agent, their checkbook and a pre-approval letter. Isn’t this exactly the kind of buyer you’re looking for?
Minimal Competition There is a limited number of homes available for showing – and therefore, minimal competition - during the holidays. A majority of sellers “close up shop” during the holidays. Some sellers go out of town and choose to deny showings while they are away. And other sellers remain home, but choose to deny showings because they are at home with their families and don’t want to deal with the inconvenience of showings.
The upcoming 2011 holidays will afford many buyers an extended weekend to house hunt and potentially buy your home - let them in!
Aug 1, 2009
What I Like To See, Sellers
I understand why buyers today have such a hard time selecting a home. The majority of homes I show to prospective buyers blend in the crowd – there is nothing that sets them apart from any of the other hundreds of homes on the market in east metro Orlando.
As a realtor who views homes day in and day out, it’s a rare home that catches my eye. Let me share with you what I like:
Nobody Home I like when the house is empty a.k.a. “nobody’s home”. This is the only time a buyer will truly let their guard down and soak in your home. A typical showing lasts 15 to 20 minutes with the buyer walking aimlessly around your home taking in different angles and pathways. This simple activity will sell your home. When a seller chooses to remain at home, a buyer will spend maybe two minutes viewing your home and you’ve lost a shot at a buyer. Doesn’t matter if you’re on the front lawn, in the driveway or in the garage – as a seller, you need to make yourself scarce.
Light I like a home drenched with natural light. This means every window treatment open and every light on. This is a welcoming, warm greeting and just provides a good feeling all around. Everyone wants to feel at home, right? For evening showings, it’s even more important to turn on all exterior lighting. There’s nothing more welcoming than pulling up to a home with lights ablaze, window treatments open so you can see inside the home. It’s as if someone’s waiting up for us – it’s very welcoming and very appealing for buyers.
Spotlessly Clean I like a home to be spotlessly clean. There is nothing more exciting than a new home and imagining a new life there for your family. We all want to improve our lives and move forward and buying a new home is a major part of that. A spotlessly clean home sparks imagination and sets the stage for buyers to envision themselves in your home.
As a realtor who views homes day in and day out, it’s a rare home that catches my eye. Let me share with you what I like:
Nobody Home I like when the house is empty a.k.a. “nobody’s home”. This is the only time a buyer will truly let their guard down and soak in your home. A typical showing lasts 15 to 20 minutes with the buyer walking aimlessly around your home taking in different angles and pathways. This simple activity will sell your home. When a seller chooses to remain at home, a buyer will spend maybe two minutes viewing your home and you’ve lost a shot at a buyer. Doesn’t matter if you’re on the front lawn, in the driveway or in the garage – as a seller, you need to make yourself scarce.
Light I like a home drenched with natural light. This means every window treatment open and every light on. This is a welcoming, warm greeting and just provides a good feeling all around. Everyone wants to feel at home, right? For evening showings, it’s even more important to turn on all exterior lighting. There’s nothing more welcoming than pulling up to a home with lights ablaze, window treatments open so you can see inside the home. It’s as if someone’s waiting up for us – it’s very welcoming and very appealing for buyers.
Spotlessly Clean I like a home to be spotlessly clean. There is nothing more exciting than a new home and imagining a new life there for your family. We all want to improve our lives and move forward and buying a new home is a major part of that. A spotlessly clean home sparks imagination and sets the stage for buyers to envision themselves in your home.
May 9, 2009
Ideal Time To Sell: Holidays
As we approach Memorial Day, I am reminded of an odd experience I had working with a buyer over a “holiday” weekend.
I worked with an out-of-state buyer on Superbowl Sunday. They had a tight time frame, their checkbook and a pre-approval letter - they were there to buy. I attempted to schedule eight showings several days in advance. Still, five of eight sellers denied the showing request because “we are having a Superbowl party”. The buyer saw three of the homes on their list and made a full price offer on one of them the following morning.
There is an incorrect assumption that buyers don’t house hunt during the holidays; this could not be further from the truth. “Buyers take time off, too” and “everyone leaves town for such-and-such holiday” are seller misconceptions. In reality, any extended weekend - national holidays, federal holidays and school closings – is an ideal time to sell your home.
Buyers Have Time & Energy A ready, willing and able buyer wants to house hunt when they have the time and energy for it. A serious buyer will plan an outing with their agent well in advance. These buyers come armed with a good agent, their checkbook and a pre-approval letter. Isn’t this exactly the kind of buyer you’re looking for?
Minimal Competition There is a limited number of homes available for showing – and therefore, minimal competition - during the holidays. A majority of sellers “close up shop” during the holidays. Some sellers go out of town and choose to deny showings while they are away. And other sellers remain home, but choose to deny showings because they are at home with their families and don’t want to deal with the inconvenience of showings.
There are several federal holidays approaching that will provide many buyers with an extended weekend to house hunt and potentially buy your home.
- Mon 5/25/2009 Memorial Day
- Sat 7/4/2009 4th of July
- Mon 9/7/2009 Labor Day
I worked with an out-of-state buyer on Superbowl Sunday. They had a tight time frame, their checkbook and a pre-approval letter - they were there to buy. I attempted to schedule eight showings several days in advance. Still, five of eight sellers denied the showing request because “we are having a Superbowl party”. The buyer saw three of the homes on their list and made a full price offer on one of them the following morning.
There is an incorrect assumption that buyers don’t house hunt during the holidays; this could not be further from the truth. “Buyers take time off, too” and “everyone leaves town for such-and-such holiday” are seller misconceptions. In reality, any extended weekend - national holidays, federal holidays and school closings – is an ideal time to sell your home.
Buyers Have Time & Energy A ready, willing and able buyer wants to house hunt when they have the time and energy for it. A serious buyer will plan an outing with their agent well in advance. These buyers come armed with a good agent, their checkbook and a pre-approval letter. Isn’t this exactly the kind of buyer you’re looking for?
Minimal Competition There is a limited number of homes available for showing – and therefore, minimal competition - during the holidays. A majority of sellers “close up shop” during the holidays. Some sellers go out of town and choose to deny showings while they are away. And other sellers remain home, but choose to deny showings because they are at home with their families and don’t want to deal with the inconvenience of showings.
There are several federal holidays approaching that will provide many buyers with an extended weekend to house hunt and potentially buy your home.
- Mon 5/25/2009 Memorial Day
- Sat 7/4/2009 4th of July
- Mon 9/7/2009 Labor Day
Nov 21, 2008
They Want Our Chandelier, Too?
A showing wrapped up at your home today at noon. By early evening, you hear word from your agent that the buyer is very interested in your home and is planning a second showing with their agent for this weekend.
As the seller, you have informed your agent that your $6,000 chandelier in the foyer “does not convey” (is not included in the sale of the home). This is disclosed in the home’s MLS listing for any potential buyer and their agent to see.
The second showing is a hit and by late Mon morning, you have an offer in hand. The terms of the offer are right in line with your expectations and you intend to accept as is – but wait, the buyer wants your $6,000 chandelier in the foyer - the chandelier you planned to move to your new home. Now what?
Sellers, be prepared. In the buyer’s market we have today in east metro Orlando, buyers are commonly asking for – and getting - anything they desire from furniture and fixtures to closing costs and HOA dues.
Sellers, keep in mind the definition of a fixture versus personal property when it comes to the sale of your home:
Fixture A fixture is an object that is permanently attached to a home. Some examples include a bathtub, fence, fireplace and French doors – these items cannot be easily removed from a home without causing damage.
Personal Property Personal property is an object that is not permanently attached to a home. Some examples include a chandelier, artwork, furniture and window coverings – these items can be easily removed from a home and packed away.
In the case of the $6,000 chandelier that the seller intended to move to their new home, the best practice would have been to remove it and replace it with a nice, but not expensive alternative before putting the home on the market. That way, no buyer would have ever laid eyes on the $6,000 chandelier and therefore, would never have the opportunity to stake a claim for it…in other words, don’t let a buyer fall in love with something they can’t have.
As the seller, you have informed your agent that your $6,000 chandelier in the foyer “does not convey” (is not included in the sale of the home). This is disclosed in the home’s MLS listing for any potential buyer and their agent to see.
The second showing is a hit and by late Mon morning, you have an offer in hand. The terms of the offer are right in line with your expectations and you intend to accept as is – but wait, the buyer wants your $6,000 chandelier in the foyer - the chandelier you planned to move to your new home. Now what?
Sellers, be prepared. In the buyer’s market we have today in east metro Orlando, buyers are commonly asking for – and getting - anything they desire from furniture and fixtures to closing costs and HOA dues.
Sellers, keep in mind the definition of a fixture versus personal property when it comes to the sale of your home:
Fixture A fixture is an object that is permanently attached to a home. Some examples include a bathtub, fence, fireplace and French doors – these items cannot be easily removed from a home without causing damage.
Personal Property Personal property is an object that is not permanently attached to a home. Some examples include a chandelier, artwork, furniture and window coverings – these items can be easily removed from a home and packed away.
In the case of the $6,000 chandelier that the seller intended to move to their new home, the best practice would have been to remove it and replace it with a nice, but not expensive alternative before putting the home on the market. That way, no buyer would have ever laid eyes on the $6,000 chandelier and therefore, would never have the opportunity to stake a claim for it…in other words, don’t let a buyer fall in love with something they can’t have.
Oct 14, 2008
Why Use A Lockbox
Today more then ever, it is critical for a seller to accommodate every showing request no matter the date, time or circumstance. To assist in this, the use of a lockbox - a small, hollow metal box that holds home keys and is securely attached to the front doorknob - is a great tool for a seller while their home is on the market.
By using a lockbox, there is no need for a seller to be home, for the listing agent to attend or for the buyer’s agent to pick up a key at the office. The home key is already located in a secure location at the home for the buyer’s agent to access.
A buyer wants a showing. Their agent wants a hassle-free, smooth showing. The use of a lockbox accomplishes both of these things. Showings are scheduled by the buyer’s agent at the convenience of the buyer, so a showing could take place on a Wed morning, a Fri afternoon or a Sun evening. A lockbox makes all of these showings possible.
There are two lockbox styles commonly used in the Orlando market.
Electronic An electronic lockbox provides a reliable, automated system for home access while a home is on the market. Any time an electronic lockbox is accessed by an agent using their “e-key” and pin number, their name, member ID, and the date and time is electronically recorded. An agent’s e-key is deactivated every 24 hours and requires a daily download of showing activity to be reactivated. A detailed record of all showings can be retrieved online at any time.
The electronic lockbox most commonly used in the Orlando market is the Supra iBox. Orlando Regional Realtor Association (ORRA) distributes and manages all iBox lockboxes and e-keys in the Orlando market. ORRA distributes iBox lockboxes and e-keys only to licensed Florida agents/brokers who are members of ORRA. An iBox and e-key are costly for an agent to obtain.
An iBox can only be accessed 9am to 9pm every day of the week. An iBox automatically locks out access for all other times. If an agent attempts to access an iBox at 7am, the iBox will register the attempted access and give the agent a “rejection” error message on their e-key.
Manual The Shurlok and GE KeySafe are the most popular manual lockbox styles used by Orlando realtors today. The listing agent self-selects an access code before securely attaching a manual lockbox to the front doorknob. The listing agent will then provide the access code to authorized agents for scheduled showings.
Manual lockboxes are helpful for providing easy access to other professionals involved in a real estate transaction such as home inspectors or repair personnel who are unable to access an iBox (these folks don’t have an e-key).
A manual lockbox is inexpensive and can be purchased by anyone at Lowe’s or Home Depot. This style of lockbox is also commonly used by FSBOs.
By using a lockbox, there is no need for a seller to be home, for the listing agent to attend or for the buyer’s agent to pick up a key at the office. The home key is already located in a secure location at the home for the buyer’s agent to access.
A buyer wants a showing. Their agent wants a hassle-free, smooth showing. The use of a lockbox accomplishes both of these things. Showings are scheduled by the buyer’s agent at the convenience of the buyer, so a showing could take place on a Wed morning, a Fri afternoon or a Sun evening. A lockbox makes all of these showings possible.
There are two lockbox styles commonly used in the Orlando market.
Electronic An electronic lockbox provides a reliable, automated system for home access while a home is on the market. Any time an electronic lockbox is accessed by an agent using their “e-key” and pin number, their name, member ID, and the date and time is electronically recorded. An agent’s e-key is deactivated every 24 hours and requires a daily download of showing activity to be reactivated. A detailed record of all showings can be retrieved online at any time.
The electronic lockbox most commonly used in the Orlando market is the Supra iBox. Orlando Regional Realtor Association (ORRA) distributes and manages all iBox lockboxes and e-keys in the Orlando market. ORRA distributes iBox lockboxes and e-keys only to licensed Florida agents/brokers who are members of ORRA. An iBox and e-key are costly for an agent to obtain.
An iBox can only be accessed 9am to 9pm every day of the week. An iBox automatically locks out access for all other times. If an agent attempts to access an iBox at 7am, the iBox will register the attempted access and give the agent a “rejection” error message on their e-key.
Manual The Shurlok and GE KeySafe are the most popular manual lockbox styles used by Orlando realtors today. The listing agent self-selects an access code before securely attaching a manual lockbox to the front doorknob. The listing agent will then provide the access code to authorized agents for scheduled showings.
Manual lockboxes are helpful for providing easy access to other professionals involved in a real estate transaction such as home inspectors or repair personnel who are unable to access an iBox (these folks don’t have an e-key).
A manual lockbox is inexpensive and can be purchased by anyone at Lowe’s or Home Depot. This style of lockbox is also commonly used by FSBOs.
Aug 21, 2008
Ideal Time To Sell: Holidays
As we approach Labor Day, I am reminded of an odd experience I had working with a buyer over a “holiday” weekend.
I worked with an out-of-state buyer on Superbowl Sunday. They had a tight time frame, their checkbook and a pre-approval letter - they were there to buy. I attempted to schedule eight showings several days in advance. Still, five of eight sellers denied the showing request because “we are having a Superbowl party”. The buyer saw three of the homes on their list and made a full price offer on one of them the following morning.
There is an incorrect assumption that buyers don’t house hunt during the holidays; this could not be further from the truth. “Buyers take time off, too” and “everyone leaves town for such-and-such holiday” are seller misconceptions. In reality, any extended weekend - national holidays, federal holidays and school closings – is an ideal time to sell your home.
Buyers Have Time & Energy A ready, willing and able buyer wants to house hunt when they have the time and energy for it. A serious buyer will plan an outing with their agent well in advance. These buyers come armed with a good agent, their checkbook and a pre-approval letter. Isn’t this exactly the kind of buyer you’re looking for?
Minimal Competition There is a limited number of homes available for showing – and therefore, minimal competition - during the holidays. A majority of sellers “close up shop” during the holidays. Some sellers go out of town and choose to deny showings while they are away. And other sellers remain home, but choose to deny showings because they are at home with their families and don’t want to deal with the inconvenience of showings.
There are several federal holidays approaching that will provide many buyers with an extended weekend to house hunt and potentially buy your home.
- Mon 10/13/2008 Columbus Day
- Tue 11/11/2008 Veterans Day
- Mon 1/19/2009 Martin Luther King Jr Day
- Mon 2/16/2009 President's Day
I worked with an out-of-state buyer on Superbowl Sunday. They had a tight time frame, their checkbook and a pre-approval letter - they were there to buy. I attempted to schedule eight showings several days in advance. Still, five of eight sellers denied the showing request because “we are having a Superbowl party”. The buyer saw three of the homes on their list and made a full price offer on one of them the following morning.
There is an incorrect assumption that buyers don’t house hunt during the holidays; this could not be further from the truth. “Buyers take time off, too” and “everyone leaves town for such-and-such holiday” are seller misconceptions. In reality, any extended weekend - national holidays, federal holidays and school closings – is an ideal time to sell your home.
Buyers Have Time & Energy A ready, willing and able buyer wants to house hunt when they have the time and energy for it. A serious buyer will plan an outing with their agent well in advance. These buyers come armed with a good agent, their checkbook and a pre-approval letter. Isn’t this exactly the kind of buyer you’re looking for?
Minimal Competition There is a limited number of homes available for showing – and therefore, minimal competition - during the holidays. A majority of sellers “close up shop” during the holidays. Some sellers go out of town and choose to deny showings while they are away. And other sellers remain home, but choose to deny showings because they are at home with their families and don’t want to deal with the inconvenience of showings.
There are several federal holidays approaching that will provide many buyers with an extended weekend to house hunt and potentially buy your home.
- Mon 10/13/2008 Columbus Day
- Tue 11/11/2008 Veterans Day
- Mon 1/19/2009 Martin Luther King Jr Day
- Mon 2/16/2009 President's Day
Aug 5, 2008
What Buyers Want To See At Your Home
Fresh baked cookies. Fresh flowers. Potpourri. Scented candles. Soft music. When your home is on the market, these details are…nice. But will they sell your home - no. What will sell your home is simply getting back to basics. Here is what buyers want to see at your home…these are all simple to implement with no cost to you.
Light & Bright Open every window treatment in your home (yes, even the baths, laundry, stairways/hallways). Even better, turn on every light in your home. The number one pet peeve of buyers (and me) in viewing homes is a dark, hidden home. You can’t see the place and it feels and looks like a cave…why on earth would a buyer find this appealing?
Sparkling Clean A spotlessly clean home is a must in today’s market. Maintaining a spotlessly clean home while it’s on the market is a worthwhile investment of your time and energy for a quick, top dollar sale. The chores that require daily attention are the kitchen, baths, making beds and straightening up. Other chores that can be done a couple times per week include dusting, vacuuming, mopping, weeding and laundry.
Clutter-Free Banish clutter from all rooms, surfaces and storage areas. Show no mercy…recycle, donate, sell, give away and throw away with abandon! There is nothing pleasurable about viewing a cluttered home. In fact, it’s a real turn off to buyers…they can’t envision their family living in a place where every nook and cranny is overflowing with someone else’s clutter.
Spaciousness Be mindful that your rooms have an easy, unobstructed flow. Excessive furniture or furniture blocking windows, doors or walkways makes a room feel awkward, uncomfortable and congested. You may adore your grandmother’s behemoth antique china cabinet located in your eat-in kitchen, but all buyers will see is an overstuffed, cramped room.
Not You Get out of dodge, sellers! Let the buyer and their agent conduct a leisurely showing on their own. The buyer is there to view your home in order to possibly buy it…the buyer is not there to meet you, ask you questions or receive a personal guided tour by you. Leave in advance of a scheduled showing and return after the showing is complete. If the showing goes over the allotted time, great! Let them be! Run another errand or wait in your car several blocks away until they are finished.
Light & Bright Open every window treatment in your home (yes, even the baths, laundry, stairways/hallways). Even better, turn on every light in your home. The number one pet peeve of buyers (and me) in viewing homes is a dark, hidden home. You can’t see the place and it feels and looks like a cave…why on earth would a buyer find this appealing?
Sparkling Clean A spotlessly clean home is a must in today’s market. Maintaining a spotlessly clean home while it’s on the market is a worthwhile investment of your time and energy for a quick, top dollar sale. The chores that require daily attention are the kitchen, baths, making beds and straightening up. Other chores that can be done a couple times per week include dusting, vacuuming, mopping, weeding and laundry.
Clutter-Free Banish clutter from all rooms, surfaces and storage areas. Show no mercy…recycle, donate, sell, give away and throw away with abandon! There is nothing pleasurable about viewing a cluttered home. In fact, it’s a real turn off to buyers…they can’t envision their family living in a place where every nook and cranny is overflowing with someone else’s clutter.
Spaciousness Be mindful that your rooms have an easy, unobstructed flow. Excessive furniture or furniture blocking windows, doors or walkways makes a room feel awkward, uncomfortable and congested. You may adore your grandmother’s behemoth antique china cabinet located in your eat-in kitchen, but all buyers will see is an overstuffed, cramped room.
Not You Get out of dodge, sellers! Let the buyer and their agent conduct a leisurely showing on their own. The buyer is there to view your home in order to possibly buy it…the buyer is not there to meet you, ask you questions or receive a personal guided tour by you. Leave in advance of a scheduled showing and return after the showing is complete. If the showing goes over the allotted time, great! Let them be! Run another errand or wait in your car several blocks away until they are finished.
Jul 2, 2008
Do You Really Want to Sell?
You have two homes for sale in the same neighborhood just ten doors down from each other. The homes are identical – same square footage, age, beds, baths, garage and lot size. The homes are priced $15,000 apart.
Which home would a buyer choose? “The cheaper one” most would say. Not so fast. In reality, the average buyer will choose the home that is presented the best, though not necessarily priced the best.
123 Maple St $345,000 The buyer arrives for a scheduled showing with their agent. The homeowner is not home for the showing, which allows the buyer to relax, enjoy and spend as much time as they like to explore the home and ask their agent questions.
From the entry foyer, the buyer sees a home filled with natural light and simply arranged furniture allowing for easy flow throughout the home. From the starting gate, the buyer sees many attractive areas to explore as they eagerly soak in the view…where to start?! The buyer can’t wait to see more…
Entering the open door to the master suite, the buyer is greeted with a gorgeous, classic master suite. The window treatments are wide open to allow natural light to soak in. The bedroom furniture is just perfectly sized for the space and is simply arranged to allow for plenty of free movement. Art and décor is lovingly placed just right. The master bath is sparkling clean, light and bright. The walk-in master closet is organized with easy access to everything inside and is easy to move around in. “Wow, this bedroom would be perfect for us, honey…”
Entering the living room, the buyer finds a contemporary living room set in a pleasing arrangement allowing for good flow, good conversation and good movie watching. Another light-filled, spacious room to enjoy, the buyer takes a seat – him on the loveseat, her on the club chair. The couple stays several minutes just chatting and looking wide-eyed around the room. She loves the easy, spacious movement throughout the living room and the natural light pouring in from the French doors.
The couple steps in to the modern, contemporary kitchen. Like the master bath, the kitchen is sparkling clean, light and bright. There is little to nothing on the kitchen counters, which makes it easy for the couple to envision preparing meals for their family in the home. The stainless steel appliances look like new they are so clean. She peeks inside the cabinets and fridge out of curiosity and finds them to be organized and clean as a whistle.
Entering the open doors to the secondary bedrooms, the couple finds a child’s bedroom and an office. Both spaces are filled with natural light and have easy flow in and around the room. Classic décor accents both rooms. He wants to recreate the look and spaciousness of the office; she thinks the child’s bedroom would be ideal for their new baby on the way.
456 Maple St $330,000 The buyer arrives for a scheduled showing with their agent. The homeowner is in the driveway washing his boat, the in-laws are inside watching a movie and the homeowner’s small child just went down for a nap.
From the entry foyer, the buyer is greeted with the in-laws watching an action flick on an enormous flat screen tv. A German Shepard leaps off the couch and bounds to the front door. The buyer stumbles over the dog, shoes, bags and clothing strewn about the entry foyer. There is a card table near the front door teetering under piles of bills, junk mail and dog toys. “Oh, hi there, folks…ah, sorry to bother you – we just want to take a quick look…”
The door to the master suite is shut…“Emily just went down for her nap” says the in-laws…“We’ll bring you in, but be very quiet”. The buyer steps in with the in-laws for just a moment to take a quick glance at the room. The master bedroom is completely dark; every window treatment is pulled tightly shut for the napping child. There is a mattress lying on the floor in front of the French doors covered in tousled sheets and blankets. The armoire is wide open, spilling with clothes and DVDs. There is a desk with an old computer shoved next to the window. The owner has five paint samples painted on the wall because his wife is deciding what looks best. The master bath looks like a public restroom in cleanliness; the buyer doesn’t step a foot inside. The walk-in master closest is inaccessible, overflowing with clothing, linen and piles of laundry.
Entering the darkened living room, the buyer finds six in-laws sprawled out over the furniture enjoying pizza and pop while engrossed in their action flick. The buyer immediately continues on to kitchen without stopping.
The couple steps in to the kitchen. Like the master bath, the kitchen is a dump. The house is only five years old, but the kitchen looks like a war zone. Every inch of counter space is covered in clutter, laundry, dirty dishes and piles of mail. The kitchen sink is chocked full of dirty dishes. The stainless steel appliances look well beyond their actual five years thanks to grime, stickers and magnets. The couple exits the kitchen as quickly as they arrived.
The couple ends their showing after just a few minutes in the home without seeing the entire home. “Honey, I’ve seen enough…do these people really want to sell?”
The Results The buyer scheduled a second showing of 123 Maple for during the week. By the next weekend, the buyer writes a full price offer of $345,000 and closes on the home in 40 days.
Five months and five showings later, 456 Maple drops their listing price from $330,000 to $310,000.
Moral of this story: how a seller presents their home is as critical as pricing right.
Which home would a buyer choose? “The cheaper one” most would say. Not so fast. In reality, the average buyer will choose the home that is presented the best, though not necessarily priced the best.
123 Maple St $345,000 The buyer arrives for a scheduled showing with their agent. The homeowner is not home for the showing, which allows the buyer to relax, enjoy and spend as much time as they like to explore the home and ask their agent questions.
From the entry foyer, the buyer sees a home filled with natural light and simply arranged furniture allowing for easy flow throughout the home. From the starting gate, the buyer sees many attractive areas to explore as they eagerly soak in the view…where to start?! The buyer can’t wait to see more…
Entering the open door to the master suite, the buyer is greeted with a gorgeous, classic master suite. The window treatments are wide open to allow natural light to soak in. The bedroom furniture is just perfectly sized for the space and is simply arranged to allow for plenty of free movement. Art and décor is lovingly placed just right. The master bath is sparkling clean, light and bright. The walk-in master closet is organized with easy access to everything inside and is easy to move around in. “Wow, this bedroom would be perfect for us, honey…”
Entering the living room, the buyer finds a contemporary living room set in a pleasing arrangement allowing for good flow, good conversation and good movie watching. Another light-filled, spacious room to enjoy, the buyer takes a seat – him on the loveseat, her on the club chair. The couple stays several minutes just chatting and looking wide-eyed around the room. She loves the easy, spacious movement throughout the living room and the natural light pouring in from the French doors.
The couple steps in to the modern, contemporary kitchen. Like the master bath, the kitchen is sparkling clean, light and bright. There is little to nothing on the kitchen counters, which makes it easy for the couple to envision preparing meals for their family in the home. The stainless steel appliances look like new they are so clean. She peeks inside the cabinets and fridge out of curiosity and finds them to be organized and clean as a whistle.
Entering the open doors to the secondary bedrooms, the couple finds a child’s bedroom and an office. Both spaces are filled with natural light and have easy flow in and around the room. Classic décor accents both rooms. He wants to recreate the look and spaciousness of the office; she thinks the child’s bedroom would be ideal for their new baby on the way.
456 Maple St $330,000 The buyer arrives for a scheduled showing with their agent. The homeowner is in the driveway washing his boat, the in-laws are inside watching a movie and the homeowner’s small child just went down for a nap.
From the entry foyer, the buyer is greeted with the in-laws watching an action flick on an enormous flat screen tv. A German Shepard leaps off the couch and bounds to the front door. The buyer stumbles over the dog, shoes, bags and clothing strewn about the entry foyer. There is a card table near the front door teetering under piles of bills, junk mail and dog toys. “Oh, hi there, folks…ah, sorry to bother you – we just want to take a quick look…”
The door to the master suite is shut…“Emily just went down for her nap” says the in-laws…“We’ll bring you in, but be very quiet”. The buyer steps in with the in-laws for just a moment to take a quick glance at the room. The master bedroom is completely dark; every window treatment is pulled tightly shut for the napping child. There is a mattress lying on the floor in front of the French doors covered in tousled sheets and blankets. The armoire is wide open, spilling with clothes and DVDs. There is a desk with an old computer shoved next to the window. The owner has five paint samples painted on the wall because his wife is deciding what looks best. The master bath looks like a public restroom in cleanliness; the buyer doesn’t step a foot inside. The walk-in master closest is inaccessible, overflowing with clothing, linen and piles of laundry.
Entering the darkened living room, the buyer finds six in-laws sprawled out over the furniture enjoying pizza and pop while engrossed in their action flick. The buyer immediately continues on to kitchen without stopping.
The couple steps in to the kitchen. Like the master bath, the kitchen is a dump. The house is only five years old, but the kitchen looks like a war zone. Every inch of counter space is covered in clutter, laundry, dirty dishes and piles of mail. The kitchen sink is chocked full of dirty dishes. The stainless steel appliances look well beyond their actual five years thanks to grime, stickers and magnets. The couple exits the kitchen as quickly as they arrived.
The couple ends their showing after just a few minutes in the home without seeing the entire home. “Honey, I’ve seen enough…do these people really want to sell?”
The Results The buyer scheduled a second showing of 123 Maple for during the week. By the next weekend, the buyer writes a full price offer of $345,000 and closes on the home in 40 days.
Five months and five showings later, 456 Maple drops their listing price from $330,000 to $310,000.
Moral of this story: how a seller presents their home is as critical as pricing right.
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